Maharashtra, May 2: State government decided to confer Babasaheb Purandare with Maharashtra Bhushan award for his major contribution to the cult of King Shivaji. The award carries 5 lakh rupees cash prize, a citation and memento.
The BJP-Sena government decided to confer veteran historian and writer Shiv Shahir Babasaheb Purandare with the highest Civilian Award Maharashtra Bhushan award. The state cultural affairs minister Vinod Tawade selected Purandare for this award and the decision was accepted by state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis also.
92 years old Babasaheb who is still active in social arenas is well known for his works on life of Chattrapati Shivaji. He is also known as Shiv Sahir for his bestselling narrative Raja Shiva Chatrapati and Janata Raja at the times of 16th century Maratha king.
Balwant Moreshwar Purandare who is well known as Babasaheb was born on 29th July, 1922. He is a historian, writer at Maharashtra and mostly works on events related to life of Shivaji. Babasaheb expressed his happiness while speaking with media persons for announcement of award and it is a honour.
His most popular play Jaanta Raja is not only popular in Maharashtra but also in Andhra Pradesh and Goa. He also contributed to Shiv Sena along with senior party leaders Madhav Deshpande & Madhav Mehere.